“Internships are not just about gaining technical skills but also about understanding the company culture and how to navigate the professional environment, so I believe it’s also important to settle in and be social.“
Why ICR Integrity and Finance
Many factors contributed to my choice to join ICR Integrity, namely, their continued pursuit of growth, the diversity of operating industries and their outstanding reputation for innovation and excellence in the industry. This made it an ideal place to gain hands-on industry experience for a company who, like myself has set high future expectations of themselves.
Additionally, pursuing a career in finance has always been my goal due to my passion for numbers, analysis, and strategic planning. Finance is the backbone of any organisation, and being part of this critical function allows me to contribute to the company’s success while honing my analytical and decision-making skills.
A general day as an Intern
For me a general day will consist of a multitude of different tasks within all the finance functions, leaving no two days the same. My days have rapidly changed throughout the course of this internship as I have adapted to the software, procedures and the needs of both the finance team and the company as a whole.
My time is divided between, assisting with the preparation of reports and general month end accounting, logging expenses, answering and updating various audit queries and numerous other individual tasks which allows for both freedom and responsibility.
Alongside these roles I have also attended a variety of meetings collaborating with individual business units to discuss ongoing projects and the overall financial health of that business unit.
What I’ve learnt so far
This internship has been a tremendous learning experience. The knowledge and understanding I have gained from my colleagues in such short period of time is my biggest surprise from this internship. My ability to use the software and technology at my disposal to improve efficiency and assist in analysing has improved exponentially over my time here. Moreover, understanding how the finance team operates within the company and how they tackle challenges which may arise is something that can only be understood through experience.
Advice for future Interns
For anyone considering an internship, my advice is to be proactive and eager to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek feedback. Internships are not just about gaining technical skills but also about understanding the company culture and how to navigate the professional environment, so I believe it’s also important to settle in and be social.
Jim Beveridge, CEO
The EIC (Energy Industries Council) annual Survive and Thrive report is now available to read here. Our CEO Jim Beveridge shares ICR’s achievements and future plans as we continue to address integrity, maintenance and repair challenges for clients worldwide. Check out Page 115 of the report for more details or read the article below
How is ICR Group thriving?
ICR Group is driven by a singular vision: to revolutionise the way assets and critical infrastructure are repaired, inspected and maintained. The company specialises in preserving vital, yet often aging, infrastructure across multiple industries — from oil and gas to renewable energy, defence, nuclear and telecommunications.
The challenge
The business emerged strongly out of the covid pandemic and enjoyed an acceleration in growth. Specifically, it had three priorities to address: Reducing reliance on the UK and North Sea market by expanding overseas; curbing its dependence on oil and gas by diversifying; and becoming more relevant to the net zero agenda.
The solution
This journey has involved key product developments, aimed at reducing costs and time and supporting client carbon footprint objectives. In addition, there has been an increase in headcount – more than 80 in the past two years. We have also increased our partner network with additional locations and a greater focus on sustainability. The strategy carries clear sustainability advantages, which are the focus for CEO Jim Beveridge who joined ICR in April 2022, bringing with him a determination to embed ESG principles into the company from the ground up. Action has been decisive with the firm now operating with its own ESGcommittee and achieving silver status with ECOVADIS at its first attempt. Gold is the next target, with sustainability reports also being published to demonstrate how ESG strategies have been properly embedded into the broader business strategy.
It’s the technology that helps ICR stand out in the market. Technowrap is an innovative ICR structural, pipework pipeline repair and rehabilitation technology designed to provide significant benefits to clients in terms of cost and time savings, as well as sustainability.
This composite repair technology rehabilitates aging infrastructure without the extensive costs and delays associated with conventional replacements, allowing for operations to continue uninterrupted and avoiding costly shutdowns.
The application extends beyond pipelines to include tanks, vessels, and even underwater structures, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness across various repair scenarios.
Sustainability is at the heart of Technowrap. By minimising the need for new materials and reducing waste, it presents an eco-friendly alternative to traditional repair methods. Its capacity to reduce carbon emissions by 66% compared to conventional replacements underscores its role in promoting sound environmental stewardship.
Technowrap’s efficacy is underpinned by the use of glass or carbon fibre cloths combined with epoxy resins, offering durable repairs that can last for more than 20 years. Its global endorsement and compliance with industry standards (ISO 24817, ASME PCC-2 401, and certifications from Lloyd’s Register, ABS, and DNV) attest to its reliability and capability to withstand extreme conditions.
INSONO is a cutting-edge, non-destructive testing technique designed for inspecting composite repairs applied to metallic components. INSONO has been developed to ensure the condition and integrity of composite repairs. It offers operators and regulators in installation, long-term performance, and provides evidence supporting the life extension of the repair.
Quickflange is a revolutionary approach to flange-to-pipe connections, offering a weldless, permanent and cold work alternative that significantly deviates from conventional welding methods. This innovative system employs a modified standard flange equipped with patented internal grooves, designed for a seamless slide-over installation on the pipe end.
The Quickflange technology facilitates rapid and safe installations, eliminating the need for ‘hot work’ and, thereby, reducing associated risks and costs. Suitable for a variety of pipe sizes, pressure classes, and materials, Quickflange not only offers up to 80% time savings but also achieves a remarkable 57% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods. This efficiency, coupled with its versatility, positions Quickflange as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for industry needs.
Sky-Futures is a leader in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry. With a focus on safety and efficiency, Sky-Futures’ drones conduct thorough inspections and emissions monitoring, significantly reducing the need for hazardous human entry.
Revenues have followed a similar pattern, providing confidence that the company’s diversification plan is working. In 2023, 40% of revenues were derived from international business outside of the UK, with 15% originating away from the traditional core client base within oil and gas. This year, the firm is expecting to grow its turnover from £42m to £50m, with a 50-50 split between UK and overseas work, and an 80-20 split between oil and gas and diversified verticals.
Aberdeen pupils teamed up with ICR Group to prove they have designs on life in the fast lane.
Bucksburn Academy took part in a science and engineering project supported by ICR. The initiative was run by the Greenpower Education Trust, a UK charity which aims to get young people enthusiastic about the sector by challenging them to design, build and race an electric car.
ICR supplied a carbon fibre body kit to make the kart more streamlined, lightweight and more aesthetically pleasing. Other companies contributed equipment, components and advice in what was a real team effort.
Ryan Crabb, key account manager, ICR Group, attended the school over five afternoons, plus three working days in the ICR Aberdeen workshop fabricating the composite plates to ensure they fitted the kit car.
He said: “This was a hugely worthwhile project for ICR to be involved in. The students were very proactive in coming up with ideas on how to make the car faster and were so eager to learn about all the processes required.
“The pupils mixed the resins, spread it on to the carbon fibre cloth and applied it to the car themselves, learning and following all the necessary safety procedures. They were keen to understand how it goes from a pliable material to a solid plate and how strong it actually was.”
The next step was a hugely competitive race, held at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford. The Bucksburn Academy pupils won the ‘Best Portfolio Award’ and ‘The Spirit of Green Power Award’.
Ryan added: It was great to see their interest piqued. We’re delighted to have helped inspire the next generation.” Greenpower Education Trust is a UK charity with an outstanding track record in kick starting careers in engineering. It inspires young people around the world to excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through a unique challenge: to design, build and race an electric car. This helps unlock potential and spark enthusiasm for STEM through the excitement of motorsport.
Today is International Women in Engineering Day, which celebrates the amazing work of female engineers around the world.
By Molly Steele, Trainee Design Engineer at ICR Group, Carnforth
I’ve dreamed of being an engineer since I was a little girl.
Watching my dad, I always admired his work as an engineer. He travelled to a lot of different countries; engineering has given him so many opportunities. The way you can work with your hands and use your brain to work out solutions was really appealing to me.
While at Morecambe High School, I did work experience where my dad was based and gained a real insight into engineering. I knew then that it was the route I wanted to take.
Studying engineering at college and through my apprenticeship, I found my love for it. No two days were ever the same and I was constantly being challenged with new problems to solve.
I studied Level 3 Engineering for a year at Lancaster & Morecambe College. I was then offered an apprenticeship where I learned how to operate manual machines and basic use of CAD software. I went on to study Level 3 BTEC, an NVQ in Engineering and my NEBOSH general certificate. I’m currently studying an HNC in Mechanical Engineering at Kendal College and I hope to do an HND.
I was the only female on all my college courses, and I found that apprenticeships were often workshop based… these can be quite masculine environments. Understandably it was a challenge and I felt lonely at times, but I’m glad I persevered.
I joined ICR in September 2023 as a Workshop Technician for the Repair & Maintenance of On-site Machines, which gave me the chance to really grow my skillset.
ICR have been amazing in supporting my drive to develop my skills and I was given a six-month secondment in the Design Engineering division. I feel like I have found my ‘calling’ in this role – as this uses the best of my skills and challenges me every day.
Just two months into my secondment, I was offered the opportunity to transfer to the Engineering team as a Trainee Design Engineer … the highlight of my career so far.
I’m still dipping my toe into the engineering space, but I’ve been working with experienced Design Engineers to help design equipment for our machinery, making fixtures and learning how to use our 3D scanner.
Making something from scratch and seeing it become a model and then potentially a product that can make a difference is really satisfying.
The mentoring I get from my experienced colleagues is amazing and has really helped my confidence. Having them look out for me and helping me develop shows me that I’m good enough.
My end goal is to be the best version of myself. I want to push myself to give my all to the business as I know not everyone gets that opportunity.
There are always challenges – for men and women – but if you’re hardworking and driven they can be overcome. Being a female in engineering is great and I’m proud that I can be part of that. If there are any females doubting themselves my advice would be, believe in yourself and push forward … it’s worth it!
Jody Wells, Head of Sales – Carnforth, ICR Group, said: “It says so much for Molly that she persevered through some periods where she lacked in confidence and felt isolated in a male environment. She thrived, showing resilience in a career she felt massively passionate about.
“What Molly does is technically challenging and she’s a great example of how hard work combined with experienced mentoring and support can truly bring out someone’s potential. We’re proud at ICR to support International Women in Engineering Day and help ensure everyone gets the opportunity to fulfil their career aspirations.”
In this, INWED’s 11th year, the theme is #enhancedbyengineering which celebrates the impact the profession can make towards everyday lives.
INWED gives women engineers around the world a profile when they are still hugely under-represented, with 2021 figures indicating that in the UK only 16.5% of engineers are women. For more information on INWED, go to https://www.inwed.org.uk/
ICR Group provides integrated maintenance and integrity solutions to the energy, power, nuclear, telecommunications and defence industries. The company’s innovative services include inspection, repair, and maintenance – utilising advanced technologies to address corrosion and structural challenges. ICR has operations in the UK and worldwide.
Headquartered in Aberdeen, ICR operates in global locations with operations in the UK, Norway, Abu Dhabi, USA and Australia as well as partners all over the world. For more information, https://www.icr-world.com/
Katie Francis, HR Director at ICR Group, has been named a finalist at this year’s cHeRries Awards.
The awards recognise excellence in the fields of human resources, training and recruitment and the winners will be announced on Thursday, June 13.
Katie has been shortlisted in the HR Leader of the Year category.
Jim Beveridge, CEO at ICR, said: “Katie is hugely valued by all at ICR and this nomination is recognition of her many accomplishments. The talent and commitment of our team has helped ICR achieve growth in the UK and internationally. We wish Katie all the very best at the awards in June.”
A total of 27 individuals, teams and employers have been selected to go forward to the awards night at P&J Live in Aberdeen.
During the ADIPEC Exhibition and Conference held on October, Ross McHardy Group Director at ICR spoke with Julian Walker from Energy Connects about how we are embracing new opportunities as part of our commitment to strategic innovation and the pursuit of the energy transition. Ross outlines some of our technology solutions that can help make the oil and gas sector more sustainable, and also talks about the successes of 2023 and our future plans in the Middle East.